Shoe delight

[Hoopoe]

Took advice from many on this forum and took myself off for a gait analysis to inform purchase of new running shoes. Can’t believe the difference they make and altho my next run isn’t scheduled till Monday I could tell on the treadmill what a benefit they will be. Big thanks to the lovely lady at Accelerate in Sheffield who helped me though and made me feel so welcome and not intimidated at all! 👍 Roll on Monday!

[uncle_wiggy Graduate]

I really need to get to a running shop for this...I only tried proper running socks this morning and they made a huge difference!

[jiggles7 Graduate]

You will be astonished by how much difference they really make. I don’t think I would have made it passed week 3 if I hadn’t. My knees were agony and running was actually torturous and then poof as off by magic the right shoes made it vanish! Excited for your next run for you!😀

[Deals1 Graduate]

Mmm. I need to do this too. Been kinda putting it off as think I might feel silly! ? Pleased it's worked for u. Enjoy your run on Monday!

[ItstheMarchHare Graduate]

I’ve been putting it off because I’ve never run on a treadmill.

[ArthurJG Graduate in reply to ItstheMarchHare]

Don’t be put off by that. You only run on it for seconds at a time. Really it’s just to see how your foot lands in case you need extra support in a particular area.

[ItstheMarchHare Graduate in reply to ArthurJG]

Do they ask what speed you want it?

[ArthurJG Graduate in reply to ItstheMarchHare]

Well I was in week 2 and wouldn't have known the answer - I suppose each place has its own way of doing it but where I went, she just started it slow and adjusted it a bit at a time til I was comfortably running rather than walking. The point of it is to see how you naturally run - not to force you to run at an unnatural pace - so they can recommend the right shoe. Lots of times beginners come on here asking for recommendations for the 'best' shoes and all anybody can say is - I don't know, I only know what's best for me but everybody is different.

They should also ask if you are having any issues while running - I was getting sore knees even in week 2 so they knew to get me shoes with extra cushioning. But I don't over- or under-pronate so I don't need the extra support that some shoes have for that.

Remember also you'll want a pair a size bigger than your ordinary shoe size. But they'll tell you about all that when you go, if it's a specialist running shop rather than a sports supermarket type of place. My brother, who's been running for decades, said 'it costs more but your knees will thank you.' He was right on both counts.

[ItstheMarchHare Graduate in reply to ArthurJG]

Thank you, good to know 😊

[jiggles7 Graduate in reply to ItstheMarchHare]

When I went she started to knock the treadmill up and I just said stop!!! I’m a bedinner it’s literally just above walking I can do so she had me running at 5.5 😀they are really nice to newbies. I had to go at the end of week two...I ran for about 90 seconds and I was sweating like a sausage under a hot grill. MORTIFIED!!! But still the lovely girl was very kind to me and found me the right shoes...she still made me run again cue more sweats and puffing but she said something that made me happy and think of the forum. “You are running, it doesn’t matter how fast or slow you are doing it, which is more than most”. I was still staggered I hadn’t been laughed out the shop. But I came away with the right shoes and I know if I go back now I don’t need to be scared. I guess they are used to seeing people at every point in their journey. They are also used to people who have never used a treadmill before...or rather they don’t bat an eyelid 🤣

[ItstheMarchHare Graduate in reply to jiggles7]

Thank you, that is really good to know 😊

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Enjoy that first run in them on Monday... new shoes feel amazing.

[Hoopoe]

Hi everyone. Thank you for responses and comments - I agree with everything ArthurJG has said - the lady in the shop was so helpful. Treadmill was just at a pace to get me jogging and only for a short while. There was a full Q&A about any issues, injuries, my health in general, age etc.. I then ran in neutral shoes, then tried three other types with different structures, soles and materials. Actually the best pair were the first ones I tried after neutral but the assistant insisted I try the others to be certain. The whole experience was positive and very motivating! You must use a specialist running shop tho who offer this service - it’s free of charge. I also rang up before I went to explain I was a newby runner and a bit self conscious - the assistant advised what the process would be and what to expect and she and other staff were really friendly and encouraging. Just need to see how I get on now 👍

[Soldreive]

Living in rural West Wales the only option for me within 100 miles is a biomechanical assessment with the podiatrist - £60! However, with a rotated pelvis and resulting weird wear patterns on my sholes, I reckon it's worth it so it's booked. I'm hoping to alleviate the intense knee pain and actually start C25K properly. Wish me luck 😀

[Hoopoe in reply to Soldreive]

Good luck and I really hope the advice helps you with your running